ATTN: Computer nerds

alright i havent built a computer since H.S. and iv been out of the game and now that my budget is tight and my wonderful dell laptop just shat the bed, need opinions...my goal is to run the newest CAD worryless while playin these new games with insane reqs.

Originally posted by Calesta@Jan 17 2005, 12:12 AMThe A64 is still a level above the AXP when it comes to 32 bit performance- you can't get an AXP in speeds that match the A64.

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Kinda like having two extra cylinders and not using them. If you're gonna get a 64 bit processor, run a 64 bit OS.

Linux is hands down the absolute best choice for that processor. Anything else is a waste.

As for motherboards, I haven't had any troubles with Abit boards. Also, my old Asus board is still running strong, haven't had any troubles with it whatsoever.

I would recommend a board with the nForce chipset. Linux is fully supported and I was impressed with the performance. Also, nVidia decided to switch to Intel processors exclusively for the nForce chipset (why they would do that is beyond me), so the boards will quickly become scarce.

Intel doesnt hold a candle next to AMD right now in terms of performance. Even the most expensive Pentium Extreme Edition cant beat a decent AMD say a 3500. I say get the AMD 64 even though its useless right now because the price is almost the same as a regular XP and much faster. Get the socket 939 WINCHESTER core because it runs much cooler and consumes less energy then a Newcastle. Also dont get the socket 754 because theyre dying out already because AMD stopped making them.
As for a motherboard, get an SLi if you have some extra cash but if you dont a MSI neo platnium is great. The MSI is AGP and right now, there is no difference between AGP and PCI-Express. But if you get the SLI it will have PCI-E and you can link two cards together. Thus, if you do get an SLi you can get a 6600GT. Which is about 200 and get another one later and match the fastest cards right now, 6800GT which is like 400-600. There are some issues with the 6600GT like the fan on the GPU no secure and what not, so get a Leadtek Winfast 6600GT.
As for harddrive, get an sata or scsi thats good for you bank. Seagates are good because they have a 5 yr warrenty and most of the time cheaper than a WD or Maxtor.
Memory, get some 1gb crucial value ram. If you want to you can get soem Ballistix.
Anyway, happy building. www.anandtech.com for any more info.

I know i sound like a salesmen but ive been doing a lot of research and i want to build a computer right now too. just im pretty broke and have no use for one until the next 6 mos when i transfer to a university and leave the one i have at home for my brother.

You might not want to recommend the SLI nVidia cards.... the only way they work in SLI right now is if there's already a profile set up for the game you're playing- and right now the list of supported games numbers 15. nVidia is being a bit slow on the driver and profile updates.

Originally posted by endlesszeal@Jan 30 2005, 03:35 PMIntel doesnt hold a candle next to AMD right now in terms of performance. Even the most expensive Pentium Extreme Edition cant beat a decent AMD say a 3500. I say get the AMD 64 even though its useless right now because the price is almost the same as a regular XP and much faster. Get the socket 939 WINCHESTER core because it runs much cooler and consumes less energy then a Newcastle. Also dont get the socket 754 because theyre dying out already because AMD stopped making them.
As for a motherboard, get an SLi if you have some extra cash but if you dont a MSI neo platnium is great. The MSI is AGP and right now, there is no difference between AGP and PCI-Express. But if you get the SLI it will have PCI-E and you can link two cards together. Thus, if you do get an SLi you can get a 6600GT. Which is about 200 and get another one later and match the fastest cards right now, 6800GT which is like 400-600. There are some issues with the 6600GT like the fan on the GPU no secure and what not, so get a Leadtek Winfast 6600GT.
As for harddrive, get an sata or scsi thats good for you bank. Seagates are good because they have a 5 yr warrenty and most of the time cheaper than a WD or Maxtor.
Memory, get some 1gb crucial value ram. If you want to you can get soem Ballistix.
Anyway, happy building. www.anandtech.com for any more info.

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He's gonna be using Linux, that 64 bit processor will be put to good use. Hell, I've been in the 64 bit world for quite some time.

Time to leave Windows behind. Join us, and see the power you can unleash.